Peripheral endocannabinoid concentrations are not associated with verbal memory impairment during MDMA intoxication
Eline Haijen, Magı́ Farré, Rafael de la Torre, Antoni Pastor, Eulàlia Olesti, Nieves Pizarro, Johannes G. Ramaekers, Kim P. C. Kuypers
Psychopharmacology November 16, 2017 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4787-2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Double-blind placebo-controlled within-subject study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Healthy recreational polydrug users |
| Interventions | MDMA Ketanserin Placebo |
| Dose | MDMA 75 mg, ketanserin 40 mg |
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Ketanserin Memory impairment Placebo Impaired memory Endocannabinoid system Verbal memory Pharmacology Cognition 5-HT Receptor |
| Citations | 9 |
| Key points | MDMA impaired verbal memory 90 minutes post-treatment, but did not affect endocannabinoid concentrations, and ketanserin did not block this impairment. |
Abstract
Preclinical data have suggested involvement of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in MDMA-induced memory impairment. Clinical research has shown that blockade of the 5-HT 2 receptor nulls memory impairment during MDMA intoxication. Interestingly, studies have demonstrated that the eCB and the 5-HT system interact. It was hypothesized that MDMA would cause an increase in eCB concentrations together with a decrease in memory performance, and that combining MDMA with a 5-HT 2 receptor blocker ketanserin would lead to a counteraction of the MDMA effects on eCB concentrations and memory. Twenty healthy recreational polydrug users entered a double-blind placebo-controlled within-subject study. Participants received a pre-treatment (ketanserin 40 mg, placebo) followed 30 min later by a treatment (MDMA 75 mg, placebo). Verbal memory was tested by means of a 30-word learning test. Endocannabinoid concentrations (anandamide (2-AG); N -arachidonylethanolamine (AEA)) were assessed in blood at baseline, before (90 min post-treatment) and after cognitive tests (150 min post-treatment). Findings showed that MDMA impaired memory 90 min post-treatment in the word learning task. This effect was a replication of previous studies using the same dose of MDMA (75 mg) and the same learning paradigm. Contrary to our hypothesis, MDMA did not affect eCB concentrations, nor did ketanserin block MDMA-induced memory impairment. Ketanserin caused an increase in AEA concentrations, 180 min after administration. Current findings suggest that peripherally measured endocannabinoids are not associated with the verbal memory deficit during MDMA intoxication. Trial registration number: NTR3691.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on MDMA, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- MDMA interactions with pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology March 31, 2020
- Cognitive functioning associated with acute and subacute effects of classic psychedelics and MDMA - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports June 26, 2024
- Psychedelics and cognitive function: A systematic review Research, Society and Development December 13, 2023
- The effect of methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine on peripheral endocannabinoid concentrations: a study in healthy adults. Psychopharmacology February 1, 2026
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and 14 more in the library